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Human polyomavirus 9 as a potential threat in kidney transplant recipients; lessons from BKPyV
Mohammad Hossein Razizadeh1, Alireza Tabibzadeh1
1Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
As a therapeutic method, kidney transplantation significantly improved the life quality and prognosis of patients with the end-stage renal disease. Since a key element in stable kidney transplantation is continuous therapy with immunosuppressive agents, an inhibited immune response makes patients vulnerable to opportunistic viral and bacterial infections. Polyomavirus (PyV), from the Polyomaviridae family, includes a well-known BK virus (BKPyV) and less publicized human polyomavirus 9 (HPyV9). Both these viruses may inflict significant damage to kidney transplants because of their high prevalence and pathogenesis. While a great body of knowledge was accumulated about the BKPyV-caused nephropathy, much less information is about the potential threat from the HPyV9-caused damage to kidney transplants. The current review provides a glimpse of general information about the PyV-associated nephropathy with a special focus on the role of the HPyV9 in pathogenesis of nephropathy in kidney transplants.
Insights
Kidney transplant patients on immunosuppressants face infections. This review focuses on human polyomavirus 9 (HPyV9) and its role in kidney transplant nephropathy, distinct from the more studied BK virus.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Kidney transplantation improves outcomes for end-stage renal disease.
- Immunosuppression post-transplant increases vulnerability to opportunistic infections.
- Polyomaviruses (PyV), including BKPyV and HPyV9, are prevalent and can cause kidney damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy in kidney transplants.
- To highlight the pathogenesis and threat of HPyV9 in kidney transplant recipients.
- To contrast HPyV9-related nephropathy with the more established BKPyV nephropathy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy.
- Analysis of HPyV9 prevalence and pathogenic mechanisms.
- Comparison of BKPyV and HPyV9 roles in kidney transplant dysfunction.
Main Results:
- BKPyV is a well-documented cause of nephropathy after kidney transplantation.
- HPyV9 is increasingly recognized as a significant pathogen in kidney transplants.
- Limited data exists on HPyV9 pathogenesis compared to BKPyV.
Conclusions:
- HPyV9 poses a substantial, yet under-recognized, threat to kidney transplant integrity.
- Further research into HPyV9 pathogenesis is crucial for managing transplant recipients.
- Understanding PyV infections is vital for optimizing long-term kidney transplant success.
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